{
  "id": 1318816,
  "title": "Saber Interactive finally adds an AI disclaimer to Rideshare Stimulator's Steam page",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/saber-interactive-finally-adds-an-ai-disclaimer-to-rideshare",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-08-16T17:34:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Eurogamer",
    "slug": "eurogamer",
    "url": "https://www.eurogamer.net/saber-rideshare-stimulator-steam-ai-disclaimer"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Saber Interactive, the studio behind the game Rideshare Stimulator, has finally added an AI disclaimer to the game's Steam page, following a dispute between CEO Matthew Karch and former writer Stella Sacco. Initially, Karch had said he would \"be happy to replace her with AI\", but the studio has now clarified that the disclaimer pertains to a separate, optional Free Ride mode with AI-generated passenger missions and localised dialogue. This mode can be skipped by players who prefer human-written narrative content. The main campaign's story, characters, and dialogue are all written by human writers, and AI tools are only used for voice generation and some localisation. Karch defended Saber's use of AI, stating that his PR team is \"terrified by even broaching the subject\" but was open to a reasonable conversation about how AI can enhance gamer experiences. The controversy has been dismissed as a \"publicity stunt\" by Karch, who also dismissed Sacco's departure from the company three years ago as a factor in his decision to add the AI disclaimer. Karch has since apologised to Sacco, who accepted the apology.",
  "summary": "Amid the row between Saber Interactive CEO Matthew Karch and former writer Stella Sacco after he said he'd have \"been happy to replace\" her with AI, the studio has finally added the AI disclaimer to Rideshare Stimulator's Steam page that had been conspicuously missing since the game first went live for wishlisting on 30th July. Read more",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "PC Gamer",
        "title": "Saber's AI Rideshare Stimulator controversy almost closes on high note with CEO apology, then he calls Portal scribe who mocked him an 'unsuccessful writer'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/sabers-ai-rideshare-stimulator-controversy-almost-closes-on-high-note",
        "published": "2026-08-15T22:36:19.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}